Deadly Good

Pxl Is Another Hit It And Quit It Novelty Photo App

If you're one of those pixel fanatics that can't wait to remix your photos into low resolution modern art — then Pxl. ($.99) is for definitely you. I found Pxl. to be another one in a long list of novelty iPhoneography apps that I fondle once and then instantly forget.

This new photo filtering app offers a plethora of fun ways to remix images from your photo role into abstract Franken-photos through pinching and zooming. But only a select few of the nostalgic pixelating effects offer users real instant cool-factor.

The single biggest buzz killer is the low resolution image output at 640 x 960 for iPhone. Although the developer makes that epic disability plainly clear in his app description, many reviewers are still unhappy campers.

"The whole experience reminded me of Windows 3.1" Brian Stupar wrote in his iTunes review.

While creator Rainer Kohlberger cites "technical constraints" for such low res output, there's really no excuse to release a photo filter app without a high resolution option if he hopes to rise above the App Store clutter. Pxl. has a long way to go before being able to truly compete with the likes of Instagram as Mark Wilson suggests in his gushing Co. Design review.

Pxl. is currently being offered at 50% off for a limited time which is still too pricey for a "hit it and quit it" novelty photo app. This idea would have been better served as a free app, draw in massive hordes of anxious users, then offer cool new filters and high resolution upgrades for $.99 cents.

"This could be both fun and cool at a higher res. As it is, you end up bored and disappointed after about 30 seconds." skuban wrote in his review.

I couldn't have said it any better myself. But don't let my lack of enthusiasm stop you from giving it your own proper test drive.

"I'd buy that for a dollar! If you give me a dollar." - said JLillzilla.